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What is the best age
to start archery?
Only you know your child and know when
he/she is ready to accept the responsibilities and discipline
that archery requires. That said, if your child shows interest and
the parent/caregiver can give the time to teach the correct methods
and safety restrictions, then the child may be ready. All children should be supervised at all times.
TOP
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What is the best way
to learn archery?
As with so many other things, the best way
to learn archery is by the guidance and imitation of a knowledgeable
adult. Archery is a staple sport of many camp, school and scout
programs. This is a great way to learn the correct procedures and
rules. Parents and relatives can be wonderful teachers, too.
There are also many books and
videos that can demonstrate and teach. The most important thing
is NOT to allow a child to try archery without proper
guidance. TOP
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What makes
archery a "family" sport?
Just about anyone can participate in
archery. It can be enjoyed by young and old, the disabled and the
athletic. The cost of equipment can be minimal because several
participants can use the same equipment. It's a great way for
families to share and spend time together. TOP
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What are the
safety precautions for archery?
As above stated, the primary safety
precautions involve both supervision and teaching.
» The most
obvious rule is: do not aim a bow at a person, living thing or
breakable object.
»
A bow must not be loaded with an
arrow unless standing on the 'Shooting Line' and the signal to start
shooting has been given.
»
When each student has finished
shooting their arrows, they should stand back from the shooting line
so the instructor or teacher can clearly see that they have
finished.
» Only
when everyone has finished shooting should the signal to move
forward to collect the arrows be given.
» If
an arrow or part of equipment is dropped in front of the shooting
line while shooting is in progress, it can only be picked up after
shooting has stopped.
» Walk
forward to collect the arrows, never run.
( Keep a eye on the ground for any arrows that may have dropped
short of the target and lodged in the ground. Always withdraw the
arrows in the opposite direction that they entered, so as not to
bend or break the arrow.)
»
Always walk up to the side of the
target butt, so as to not to accidentally walk into the rear of the
arrows lodged in the target.
» One
person at a time should withdraw their arrows from the target.
» When
withdrawing arrows from the target, make sure no-one is standing in
front of the target or in the way of the withdrawn arrows.
Withdrawing the arrows may require some force and the arrows may
come out suddenly from the target butt and the rear end of the arrow
could hit someone standing in front of the target.
» Everyone
shooting should help to find any arrows that may have missed the
target.
» When
carrying arrows, always hold them to the side and never run.
» Everyone
must return to the shooting line and the range checked to make sure
no-one is behind the target butts or in the safety zone before the
signal to commence shooting is given.
»
If any person or animal ( eg. dog )
enters the safety zone while shooting is in progress, the emergency
signal must be given and all shooting must stop IMMEDIATELY.
Even if the bow is held at full draw and the signal is given, the
arrow must not be released. The bow should be pointed at the ground
and the bowstring let slowly forward. The arrow should be removed
from the bow until the range is clear.
( Many people are unaware of the danger from a shot arrow and may
walk behind the target butts.)
» Any
student or person failing to abide by the safety rules, endangering
themselves or others, should be required to leave the archery range.
»
Allow at least 50 meters ( 55 yards ) behind the target butts as a
safety zone for misses or arrows that may deflect off the top of the
target butts.
( When using the stronger draw weight bows ( + 9 kg.), allow 75
meters
( 82 yards ) for safety. The more clear space available, the
better.)
» Also:
See ARCHERY INSTRUCTIONS (pdf)
for more rules and general instructions. TOP
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What kind of equipment
is recommended?
The basic necessities for archery are a bow, arrows
and target. Beyond that, the gear
that will make archery safer and more enjoyable are a quiver to carry the arrows in, an armguard to protect from string slap to the
arm and some hand or finger protection to
cushion the skin from the bow string. TOP
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How
do we measure "Draw Weight" and "Draw Length"?
To measure "Draw Weight", you will need to try
several bows of different weights. A small child (70 to 100 pounds)
will be comfortable with a draw weight of 15 to 25 pounds. A larger
child (100 to 130 pounds) may be best with a 25 to 35 pound draw
weight. An athletic older child may be capable of drawing 35 to 45
pounds. A very small child (55 to 70 pounds) may be capable of
pulling 10-15 pounds @18" to 20". These are all rough
estimates, but give the idea.
To measure "Draw Length", see "How to measure draw length".
Both of these measurements will increase as a child grows. TOP
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Do you supply
to groups?
Yes, we supply groups such as camps,
schools, scouts, and youth organizations with all necessary
equipment for archery sports. We will be happy to assist you in
choosing what you will need. Please EMAIL
us with your questions/requests, or telephone us at 781-447-4520.
Group pricing discounts are available. Please see our "Orders" and "Policies" pages for payment and
shipping options. TOP
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What
is the difference between "Recurve" and
"Longbow"? And what is a "Compound" bow and
do you sell them, too?
Please see our "Definitions" page for the
difference between a recurve and a longbow. "Compound bow"
refers to a modern type of bow that uses wheels, cables, wheels and
sights. The advantage to compound shooting is that it allows the
archer to provide more force with less effort. The disadvantages are
that they require more maintenance, take longer between shots
and do not give the same reward of true personal achievement. The
cost is usually greater, too. We do sell compound bows. Please ask us
about availability. TOP
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What is
the advantage to an archery "Kit"?
The advantage of an archery kit is that
all of the necessary equipment is already put together for you to
get started with archery. See KITS
for choices. Additional targets and/or arrows can be added at extra
cost. See our "Arrows"
and "Gear" pages for
specific options. TOP
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What
are the advantages and disadvantages of a Take-down bow?
The take-down bows
offered here at KidBow come in 3 pieces, which are 2
"limbs" and a "handle" (also called a grip or a
riser). The 2 limbs (arms) of the bow need to be firmly attached to
the handle before shooting it, according to the instructions of the
particular bow.
The ADVANTAGE of this is that
this style of bow requires less physical space, when taken apart,
making it easier to store and transport. This also allows for
different limb weights to be attached to the same handle, with the
purpose of allowing for a variety of archers to use the same bow or
the same shooter to tailor the bow to his or her current strength or
need. This can work well in group settings or when a child is
becoming stronger and more proficient.
The DISADVANTAGES of the
Take-down style are that it is a more complicated set-up and
requires planning, forethought and PROPER
ASSEMBLY of the bow. Some children may be unable to
attach the parts together because of either strength, lack of
understanding or carelessness. Also, because it is 3 separate
pieces, parts can be lost. ADULT
SUPERVISION is especially important with the Take-down
bow. TOP
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Can we
get upgrades or additional gear in the future?
Yes, please see the above answer to find
what you need. TOP
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Can
being right or left handed make a difference with archery?
The issue is not so much left or right hand dominance,
but "eye" dominance.
To test, hold your hands out at arms length and with both eyes open,
look through the hole formed by your hands at a distant object.
Keeping that object in view, slowly move your hands towards your
face until they touch your face. The hole formed by your hands
should be over one of your eyes. This eye is your dominant eye and
will control your aiming. Another quick way to test your eye
dominance is to point your index finger at a distant object with
both eyes open, then close one eye and see if your finger appears to
move away from what you are pointing at. If your finger does appear
to move, then the eye that you closed is your dominant eye. Try
again with your other eye and your finger should not appear to move.
If you are RIGHT EYE dominant, you are a RIGHT HAND shooter and
should shoot a right handed bow (the vast majority). The opposite is
true with left eye dominance, and a left handed bow would be needed
for the best and most natural archery performance.
Our #154 and #160 fiberglass bows are equally
"lefty/righty" as is our Youth English Longbow (see Longbows). TOP
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How do you string a bow? See
the Martin "Instructions
for Beginning Archers" for #119, #160 or #154 kits and
bows. See How to Use a Bow
stringer if using a Bow Stinger.
See Care and Use of a Woodbow
for the Youth English Longbow, American Target bow, Native American
Longbow and Woodland Elf Longbow.
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